The FINANCIAL — Hong Kong Airlines on February 26 signed an agreement for sub-lease with the Airport Authority Hong Kong to develop a flight training centre on a plot of land of 0.6 hectare located at the southeast edge of the Hong Kong International Airport. Mr. Zhang Kui, President of Hong Kong Airlines and Mr Fred Lam, Chief Executive Officer of the Airport Authority Hong Kong attended the signing ceremony.
Mr. Zhang said, “We are delighted to sign the agreement for sub-lease to build a flight training centre. Hong Kong Airlines recorded rapid growth over the years and the facility marks a significant milestone in the history of Hong Kong Airlines. As a Hong Kong-based airline, Hong Kong Airlines takes responsibilities for promoting the development of our local aviation industry. Equipped with a flight training centre, Hong Kong Airlines is committed to nurturing aviation talents and enhancing Hong Kong Airlines’ international competitiveness.”
“We believe the facility helps motivate and inspire young people of Hong Kong to develop their careers in aviation. Hong Kong Airlines is actively expanding its scope of operation and its fleet. The new flight training centre will ease our development needs for training.”
The flight training centre will be located at Kwo Lo Wan Road, Chek Lap Kok, with a built up floor area of close to 23,000 square metres. Hong Kong Airlines will build two connected blocks featuring an administration tower and a flight training tower. The complex can house 12 double-storey-high flight simulators, a large safety training hall with one full-size mock aircraft cabin for training both cockpit and cabin crew, classrooms, training rooms, etc. Construction is expected to begin this year and be completed by the end of 2017, according to Hong Kong Airlines.
Mr Lam said, “Along with reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a leading international and regional aviation centre, it has always been the Airport Authority’s policy to support the development of home-based carriers. Flight training centres are crucial facilities for home-based carriers, as airline pilots have to be frequently trained and re-trained for different aircraft models. Airlines that are equipped with such facilities can enjoy more flexible, efficient operations and ensure the utmost in safety for their passengers.”
Since 2011, Hong Kong Airlines has been awarded the highly-esteemed 4-star rating for three consecutive years and 2014 “World’s Most Improved Airline” by SKYTRAX. The airline operates one of the youngest fleets in the world. As of the end of 2014, the average age of the fleet stands at just 2.8 years. The current operating fleet is 24 aircraft, among which, the passenger fleet consists of 19 Airbus aircraft, including 3 Airbus A330-300s, 9 Airbus A330-200s and 7 A320s; the cargo fleet consists of 5 Airbus A330-200Fs. Hong Kong Airlines’ scheduled passenger service covered 26 destinations in the Asia-Pacific region. Popular destinations include Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, Bangkok, Okinawa, etc.
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